THE clash of neighbours St Michael's and Glenswilly is the stand-out tie as the Donegal SFC swings into action at the Bridge tomorrow evening at 7.30 pm.
On another level it could be a shoot- out between St Michael's veteran Colm Anthony McFadden and Glnswilly talisman Michael Murphy.
There is little to choose between these sides and a physical battle is very likely before a healthy crowd.
In the south of the county Bundoran have a tough opener with the visit of St Eunan's.
And if all of the county stars from both teams are available, then we could have a cracker.
Rory Kavanagh, the O'Donnell's, Eamon Doherty and Caolan Ward are key figures for Letterkenny while marksman Jamie Brennan, Paul Brennan, the McEniff's and Shane McGowan backbone the home side-and this could be a draw tomorrow evening also.
On Saturday, county champions Naomh Conaill are due to host Milford.
But there is uncertainty about this tie as the Glenties club have suspended all activities due to a Covid examination in the club (at the time of writing)
If it goes ahead, the powerful Ulster club finalists would be warmly fancied with the Thompson's Eoghan McGettigan, "Brick" Molloy and a host of grizzled veterans to boost their challenge.
Milford have Cathal McGettigan, Luke Barrett, Kane Barrett and T J Evisson as mainstays-but a home win is likely.
A few short miles down the road Kilcar are warmly fancied to get the better of Termon.
The McHugh's and McBrearty's would grace any club team in Ireland and they also have Ciaran McGinley, new captain Matthew McClean and Conor Doherty as major back up.
Termon have Enda McCormick, Daire McDaid and a host of talented underage players coming through, but this is definitely a home win.
Meanwhile Kilcar's neighbours Killybegs entertain Glenfin and this could be a real cracker between two lively young sides.
Hugh McFadden and Eoghan Ban Gallagher are big aces for Killybegs and they are well supported by the Cunningham's and Daniel Breslin.
Frank McGlynn, his clan and the Wards could make life difficult for the Fishermen, but a home win looks likely.
On Sunday Gaoth Dobhair make the long trip to Donegal Town to take on a declining Four Masters in a real David and Goliath affair.
The Masters are struggling heavily while Gaoth Dobhair have the McGee's Kevin Cassidy and Odhran MacNiallais as key prongs in a formidable armory.
David Quinn, Leo McHugh and Kevin McBrearty will fight hard to keep the scores down.
Donegal Town's neighbours St Naul's take on Dungleo and this could be a real cracker.
Stephen Griffin, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogand and Gavin Mulreaney are big players for Mountcharles
Dungloe have a real star in Daniel Ward, while Gerard Walsh and the Currans provide strong support, home advantage might be crucial.
Finall it should be another clinker between Sean MacCumhaills and enigmatic Ardara in Ballybofey on Sunday evening.
Oisin Gallen is in fine form for the home side along with Luke Gavigan and Steven O'Reilly.
Ardara have the ageless Gareth Concarr, Brendan and Stefan Boyle, but a home win looks likely again.
